Horse power

The Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot are just a furlong away so to mark the occasion ClassicLine is picking its favourite horse-themed cars.

While there’s been much jockeying for the number one spot, we’re now under starters orders, so place your bet for your favourite.

Mitsubishi Starion

The Starion was a two-door, four-seat hatchback direct from the Land of the Rising Sun. More notably it also came with electronic fuel injection, making it one of the first Japanese turbocharged cars to do so.

The actual name – Starion – refers to a mythical horse called the Arion. While Mitsubishi production ended in 1989, it did appear under various other badges in North America.

As for horse power, that varied between 150 to 197 hp.

Subaru Brumby

For those of you who don’t know, then the Brumby is a free-roaming, feral horse found in Australia, home of Aussie Rules, Victoria Bitter and Vegemite.

The Brumby name also served as inspiration for Subaru down under, although it has various other names in different countries.

Production for the four-wheel drive coupé utility lasted from 1978 to 1994 but fascinatingly one of its most famous owners was former US President Ronald Reagan!

Ford Bronco

Interestingly, Ford has recently revealed that production of the MPV Bronco would start again in 2020 almost a quarter of a century after the last one rolled off the production line in Michigan.

As for the horse, a Bronco is found in the US, northern Mexico and Canada, and is usually known for bucking, just like Buckaroo, a favourite 1980’s kid’s game.

Other must-have kid’s games included Kerplunk, Guess Who?, Mystery Mansion, Connect Four, Uno, plus Hungry, Hungry Hippo, many of which are still as popular today.

Hyundai Pony

The Pony was made in South Korea from 1975 to 1990 (although the name remained in use until 2000 on various export models) and was the country’s first mass produced car.

However, British input in its development was considerable with a number of the UK’s top car engineers at the time being involved in the project.

Best of British indeed!

Mitsubishi Colt

Production lasted 50 years until 2012 for Mitsubishi’s popular small car, not to be confused with the Dodge Colt.

Another famous Colt is Colt Seavers, played by Lee Majors in the Fall Guy. Classic tea time viewing back in the 1980’s with one of the catchiest theme tunes, the Unknown Stuntman, that you’ll ever hear.

Other must-watch 80’s telly from across the pond included such classics as Magnum P.I., The A-Team, Knight Rider, CHiPS and T.J. Hooker.

ClassicLine would love to hear from you if you can think of any other horse-themed cars.